10 Essential Home Staging Tips (Part I)

Over the years I've found that there are 10 Essential Home Staging Tasks that, when accomplished before the sign goes up, saves time, stress and money EVERY time. If you're anticipating selling your home this fall, now is the time to get started.

1. Minor Kitchen Renovation - If your cabinets and appliances are in basically good condition, updating the counters and adding or upgrading a backsplash, adding recessed and under cabinet lighting, replacing the flooring, cabinet hardware, or even just a repainting the cabinets in classic neutral finishes are a relatively easy and inexpensive way to give a tired kitchen a face lift.

Via CG

2. Minor Bath Renovation - refinishing, repainting or replacing the vanity or commode, updating the lighting and flooring, a fresh coat of paint, and simple hotel style shower curtain (and liner), will go a long way to freshen up a stale bath.

via YHL

3. The Exterior - Take a critical eye to the perimeter of your property. Is there debris (garbage and construction materials from the last DIY project) lying around? Are garbage and recycling bins out in plain sight? What are the conditions of the roof and gutters? Is the paint peeling off the front door, trim or brick? Is siding covered in moss, or are the shutters askew? Does the landscaping need attention by a professional?

Via OPHI

4. Make Small Repairs - Drafty windows, leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, stains on the ceiling and broken fixtures give the impression that other major repairs might be lurking beneath the surface. Where possible, install energy efficient

Via MDHI

5. De-Clutter - There is no reason to have any cold weather clothing, holiday decorations, or seasonally used small appliances in your closets or cabinets right now. Start packing those off-season items now. Free up space with the goal of seeing as much closet floor space as possible. Consider having a tag sale of gently used and unwanted items, donate what does not sell and consider an off-site storage unit for items to keep.

Via Pinterest

Start now, then make sure to visit the blog again next week for Part 2 of 10 Essential Home Staging Tips. It's the only way to you can be confident your property will stand out from the competition.